| Business info |
Phoenix Trading started back in 1994 when three South London based mothers, Robin, Susie and Vanessa, put a tenner each into a kitty to buy wholesale greeting cards from a local publisher. The three partners worked part-time for a year selling the cards direct to friends, family and at fundraising events for schools and charities. By September 1995 they had amassed enough profit to print their first 13 designs as publishers in their own right. They launched themselves enthusiastically into finding venues, agents, artists, and suppliers. When Robin’s house buckled under the strain, Vanessa offered bijou office accommodation; 8ft x 6ft of combined office and working room which was shared with various domestic appliances. They had one desk, one chair and one under-powered computer and took it in turns to sit down. As the business grew they ended up packing orders in the kitchen from stock which was kept under the children’s beds. It was a challenge!
By the end of 2000 the business was twenty times bigger than it was at the end of its first trading year. It had grown organically without borrowings or debt. Sheila replaced Susie in January 1998 and Phoenix Trading settled into 4,000 square foot of glorious space with 304 product lines, 11 employees and a moveable feast of packers and artists.
In 2001, Phoenix Trading became a limited company rather than a partnership, Vanessa left and Mike joined as Managing Director. The management team has since been strengthened by the addition of Clive Bruce, who joined in 2006 as Finance Director. The company is now ensconced in 30,000 sq ft of dedicated office and warehousing in Wandsworth, SW London, just walking distance from where the original business was conceived.
The business has grown exponentially and is now listed as one of the top 10 greeting card publishers in the UK. It is also now one of the top 10 UK direct-selling companies, with more than 9,000 Traders and sales of over 100 million cards. The company has also expanded internationally, launching the Phoenix Trading business in Australia (2006), New Zealand (2007), France (2007) and the United States (2008). To date, Phoenix Trading has sold in excess of 75 million cards and firmly believes that the formula of quality, style and exceptional value for money has given them a real edge in a highly competitive market. |
Running a home based business providing learning resources for primary age children, working part time and running a successful Phoenix Trading team. 